In a major crackdown on illegal begging, UAE authorities have arrested 10 Pakistani nationals, including five women, in operations across the country. The arrests follow recent warnings from UAE police urging residents not to give money to beggars near streets, mosques, and public spaces.
Among those detained, five were women caught begging in various locations. Officials from the Gulf nation have informed Pakistani authorities about the arrests.
According to sources in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), three women from Vehari, Punjab—Amna Bibi, Kausar Bibi, and Farzana Bibi—along with Jameela Bibi and Zubaida Bibi from Lahore, were apprehended and jailed. Their deportation to Pakistan is currently being processed.
Officials further revealed that five Pakistani men were also arrested in similar operations. The detainees include Muhammad Zakariya from Dera Ghazi Khan, Waseem Haider from Bahawalnagar, Muhammad Usman from Lahore, Ijaz Khan from Charsadda, and Abdullah from Peshawar.
Emergency passports have been issued for their repatriation to Pakistan, where they will be taken into custody upon arrival and face legal proceedings.
Earlier this month, 52,520 Pakistani nationals were barred from traveling abroad due to concerns related to illegal migration, deportation, and criminal activities.
These restrictions apply to individuals previously deported from the United States, European countries, and Middle Eastern nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
According to official records, 4,210 beggars have been deported from Saudi Arabia, with 1,546 placed under travel bans in various regions. Additionally, 331 beggars deported from different countries have also been restricted from international travel.
Furthermore, 46,433 individuals who served prison sentences in the UAE have been prohibited from traveling abroad due to security concerns.